Jolinar Lives#3: The Bond

By Demon Faith

TITLE: Jolinar Lives#3: The Bond

AUTHOR: Demon Faith

EMAIL: rosabeth@hotmail.com

CATEGORY: Trilogy, S/D, slight J/J, Angst, Drama

SPOILERS: Hathor, Forever in a Day, Past and Present, In the Line of Duty, Tok’ra and Singularity

SEASON/SEQUEL: Third and final part of the Jolinar Lives trilogy. Set after Past and Present

RATING: PG-13

CONTENT WARNINGS: Implications, violence, language and Gourld possession, which is always messy.

SUMMARY: Jolinar has possessed Sam again, after an accident in the lab.

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own them. I’m just playing. Will put back in mint condition, but may keep Danny for a while…

AUTHOR’S NOTES: I don’t speak Greek or Ancient Egyptian, so they’re made up. Everything about Atlantis and seawater is to some extent true. The knife is just a way-cool thing I made up.

Right: Writing like this is thoughts from various people or emphasis; writing like this is Sam’s telepathy; writing like this is Daniel’s telepathy and anything in #hashes# is Goa’uld echoey voices.

Sorry for the long wait: I’ve been very busy. This is for the Daniel and Samantha list, who are being very patient with me.

Daniel watched Sam, tears spilling down his cheeks. She was deep in the throes of a nightmare, thrashing around in her restraints. He just wanted to lean over, hold her, tell her it was all going to be okay. But the memories, of Sam with glowing eyes, talking like…Hathor, it was too much!

He hugged himself with his good arm, wishing it would all just go away. He couldn’t lose Sam, the same way he had lost Sha’re. She had been his life-line these past months, letting him cry in her arms when it all became too much. And how had he repaid her? Falling for a psychopathic murderer and then scaring Sam into resurrecting Jolinar. Of course, it wasn’t like that at all but that’s how Daniel made sense of it.

Jack watched him in silence. He was like a man possessed (not literally, thank goodness!); he kept fidgeting and pacing around the infirmary and even General Hammond couldn’t get him to leave.

Sam had been under heavy sedation since Teal’c had Zatted her. The battle was still ongoing, it was plain to see, but Sam appeared to be losing the fight. Losing to an enemy that wasn’t even real. Jack shook his head. How could they come this far, just to lose to a dead Goa’uld who was supposed to be their ally?

“How is she, Janet?”

“Stable. You really should get some…”

“I do not need sleep!”

Daniel shouted at Janet, almost flinging his sling across the room. Jack decided he should intervene.

“Hey, Danny boy: you’re no use to Sam half-asleep. Go get some rest and I’ll call you when she wakes up.”

“And if she wakes up while I’m sleeping? If she’s speaking Gourld? No, I’ll stay Jack. Why don’t you get some?”

Jack started. The tables had been turned! Janet smiled. If the situation wasn’t so volatile, it would be hilarious.

“I might just do that. When you get some.”

“Can you keep it down, guys? I’m trying to sleep here.”

Daniel ran to Sam’s bedside and smiled at the beaten-looking figure staring back up at him.

“How are you feeling?”

“Like hell. Have you called the Tok’ra?”

Jack looked at Daniel, who shrugged. Teal’c raised an eyebrow and Janet smiled.

“Not yet. You want us to?”

Sam shrugged and a tear rolled down her cheek.

“I’m cracking over a dead Gourld, for heaven’s sake! What’s wrong with me?”

Daniel couldn’t stand it any longer. He kneeled down and leaned his head on her chest, cupping her head in his hands.

“You are gonna win, Sam. You’re the strongest person I know and you can beat this thing.”

Sam smiled at him and he stroked her hair gently, trying not to cry himself. The others all backed out of the room and Jack went to find the General so he could contact the Tok’ra.

“Where’s Jolinar?”

“As far as I can tell, she’s sleeping. But Daniel, I think she’s real…”

“No, Sam. She is just a bunch of unleashed memories…”

“But Daniel, I can feel her. There is something in my head. Something real.”

Daniel stopped and slowly stood up, beckoning to Janet.

“We have a bigger problem…”

~

As the final chevron locked, Jack waited patiently in the Gate room. The wormhole blasted open and then solidified into the circle.

“Tok’ra GDO!”

Jack nodded to himself, as Lantesh and Selmak came through the Gate.

“What’s wrong, Colonel?”

Well, at least the annoying symbiots were keeping quiet.

“Sam had a little accident…”

~

Lantesh and Selmak ran into the infirmary, panting heavily. Daniel was sitting on her pillow, with Sam’s head in his lap. The restraints had been removed now and Sam seemed to be a little more in control.

“Sammy?”

Sam looked up and smiled. Daniel was still absently stroking her hair and moved to leave but Sam grabbed his arm.

“I want you here.”

Daniel nodded and stayed put. Lantesh walked straight up and laid a hand on her head.

#Jolinar is alive!#

Everyone visible winced and Selmak shook his head violently, but Lantesh was defiant.

#My wife is alive, Selmak. She is not dead, as we thought. Awaken Jolinar#

“No, don’t do that!”

Sam screamed and white light shone from her eyes. Daniel slipped from under her and backed away. Jolinar sat up, eyes glowing and voice acting in two-tone.

#You are here, love. Now, for my request…#

#Jolinar, you are alive! When did this miracle occur? We thought you dead…#

#I was, my love, but my host released my memories and the protein marker in her blood allowed me to regenerate. I am alive again#

Everyone in the infirmary exchanged shocked looks, except for Jolinar and Lantesh who were gazing fondly at each other, in a way that made Daniel sick.

“Excuse me, Jolinar, but could you please get out of my friend’s body? She kinda needs it back.”

Jolinar fixed Daniel with a piercing glare but he fielded it with his own stare.

#Lantesh, you need a new host#

Daniel paled slightly and Jack, who had just arrived with Teal’c and General Hammond, was puzzled.

“What are you talking about, Jolinar?”

#Lantesh will make Daniel his new host. It was my request#

Daniel was shaking slightly, and prayed that Jack wouldn’t let go of him or move away. He didn’t think he could stand on his own at the moment.

The infirmary was silent as the consequences of Jolinar’s words really sank in.

#Why, my love? Martouf would die and Daniel Jackson would not be pleased#

#I do not care for protests, Lantesh! You shall do as I say#

Jolinar grabbed Lantesh by the throat, slowly choking him. Jack and Teal’c pulled her off him and Lantesh stumbled back slightly, rubbing his neck.

#Absence makes the heart grow fonder, Jolinar? You always were a bit of a devil#

Jack and Teal’c exchanged curious glances. Was this a normal day in the Tok’ra household? However, as soon as Jack had rushed forward, Daniel was overcome with weakness and Janet had guided him gently into a chair. The archaeologist was shaking now and Janet was at a loss as to why. He was mumbling to himself and Janet strained her ears to listen.

“Edifice etcar hariman dossier ton yet…”

Janet shook him gently, as the rest of the room focussed on him.

“What is it, Daniel?”

The young man abruptly snapped out of his reverie and stared at Janet.

“Nothing. I just have to look something up.”

Without a second thought, Daniel stood up and walked up, leaving everyone staring after him. Jolinar turned back to Lantesh, raising her hand to stroke his cheek.

#We shall be together again, my love. We must leave this place now#

“Now, hang on one freakin’ minute!”

Jack walked over, finger raised.

“We do want Sam back, thank you very much. And if you’ll excuse me, you’re not acting very Tok’ra-like right now. Aren’t you two supposed to co-exist in harmony?”

“We are, Jack. This is what I want.”

Sam looked at him with sincere blue eyes, just as she had when Jolinar had possessed her the first time. Speaking in Sam’s voice had thrown him completely and it was doing so again, but apparently, everyone else believed her.

“Are you sure, Major Carter? This is really what you want?” General Hammond asked in concern.

“Yes, sir. Having Jolinar back has cleared my mind. I think I’m ready for becoming a Tok’ra this time.”

~

Daniel sat in his office, flicking through as many ancient texts as he had. The Gourld are telepathic and Sam could send me a message but was I just imagining it…and why in another language? Daniel knew he had heard something in a form of Greek crossed with Ancient Egyptian, a very strange combination.

“Edifice etcar hariman dossier ton yet …what the heck could that mean?”

He began rummaging in all his drawers, looking for his old lecture notes. When he was first learning hieroglyphs, the Rosetta stone was one of his favourite items of study. It was how Ancient Egyptian was first decoded from Greek. He was sure the answer could be found there, if it was anywhere to be found.

Daniel sat up suddenly, getting the strangest feeling that someone was coming towards his office and that someone was Sam. He turned back to his book, as the ‘sensation’ got closer. Daniel was tense and afraid, trying to tell himself he was imagining things. He heard the door creak open and whirled around.

#Hello Daniel#

Daniel gaped in surprise. Sam stood in the doorway, decked out in a tight brown dress, made of some kind of leather. She leaned against the frame, looking very…tempting?

“Jolinar. What can I do for you?”

Daniel kept his tone fairly polite and even, smiling at the despicable creature before him. Sam, or now Jolinar, came sassily into the room, sitting backwards on one of his chairs.

“#You know, don’t you?#

Daniel was immediately alarmed, but held his expression.

“Know what, Jolinar?”

#Why speak to me and not my host? Do you not wish to speak to Samantha?#

“I do, but since you are obviously in control, you must be the one wanting something.”

Jolinar bowed her head and closed her eyes, then brought it back with a start.

“Hey Daniel! Isn’t this just great?”

“Yes, Sam, it is. Did you want something?”

Sam looked at him carefully, studying his expression. Daniel felt a sharp jolt in his mind, followed by a short…sentence! She’s lying.

“Why are you lying to me?”

Sam’s eyes widened, but then settled into a carefully calculated frown.

“Lying? Why would I do that, Daniel?”

Daniel was about to reply, when Jack walked in. He looked at Jolinar steadily and the woman nodded.

“Colonel. I’ll leave Doctor Jackson and you alone.”

With another nod, Sam left the room, headed for the Gate room. Jack shut the door, and then turned to a very puzzled Daniel.

“Since when did Carter call you ‘Doctor Jackson’?”

“That’s not Sam, Jack. That’s Jolinar in Sam’s body, but that’s not Sam.”

Jack sat down and nodded slowly.

“I agree with you, Daniel. But how to convince the Tok’ra.”

Daniel stood up quickly, sending papers flying.

“Don’t you see, Jack? The Tok’ra don’t want to be convinced! They want Jolinar back and aren’t prepared to believe that Sam doesn’t want this too!”

Jack looked at Daniel with a new respect. The boy has quite a temper.

“I know that as well, Daniel. But, what can we do about it?”

“We translate this.”

Daniel passed Jack a piece of paper and the Colonel frowned.

“Edifice etcar hariman dossier ton yet? But what does that mean?”

But Daniel was eying Jack carefully. He fished out his Dictaphone and held it up to Jack.

“Jack, read it again. But kinda, pronounce it more.”

Jack frowned but did as he was told.

“Ed-ee-fi-ss et-kar ha-ree-man, doss-yier ton yet? That okay?”

“Perfect!”

Daniel rewound the tape slightly, plugged the Dictaphone into his computer and brought up his own adapted ‘Language Finder’. He fiddled with some buttons and played Jack’s recording.

Jack grimaced as his distorted voice rang out of Daniel’s speakers. Daniel was listening carefully, and clicked on ‘check’ when the sentence was finished. The computer gave a triumphant fanfare and Daniel eagerly scrolled through the results.

“Look at this, Jack! Most of these words are Ancient Egyptian except for the ‘etcar hariman’.”

“That significant, Daniel?”

“Yes it is. I just don’t know how yet.”

Just then, an airman ran in.

“Sirs! The Tok’ra are leaving.”

Jack swore and ran out while Daniel quickly saved all the files. He stuffed the piece of paper in his pocket and ran for the Gate room. He could hear a rather loud argument already transpiring and quickly ran in.

“Daniel! Tell them I’m really Sam.”

Sam looked at him with pleading eyes, but Daniel saw right through her.

“I can’t do that, Sam.”

He walked towards Jack and stood beside him, a visual show of support. Infuriated, Jolinar turned to General Hammond.

#General Hammond, I believe Doctor Jackson refuses to let my host go because of a latent attraction to her. I cannot permit this to halt us#

The General turned towards Daniel, who was staring at Jolinar coldly.

“Doctor Jackson?”

“Yes, General, I do have feelings for Sam but I do this purely for her. I do not believe that Sam is in control of her body and I refuse to let Jolinar get away with it.”

“What are you talking about, Daniel? I’m here, talking to you.”

Daniel smiled sadly and shook his head.

“No, you’re not Sam.”

Martouf and Jacob had kept completely out of this, much to Jack’s surprise but he watched them carefully. They seemed to be waiting for Daniel to say something, something unexpected but they obviously weren’t hearing it. General Hammond cut in.

“Doctor Jackson, is there any way to prove that Major Carter is not speaking to us?”

“There are tests that can be run but I know Jolinar won’t submit to those. Therefore, I have a question to ask. Sam; who or what do you hate the most?”

Jack turned to Daniel, but the young man put a hand on his arm.

“I know what I’m doing,” he whispered.

“That’s easy, Daniel. I hate the Goa’uld.”

The General turned to Daniel, expecting the young man to relent, but saw him shaking his head.

“Wrong answer, Jolinar.”

The Tok’ra roared, eyes glowing, and charged at Daniel, knocking him to the floor. Jack pulled the woman off him and Jolinar spat at Daniel.

#You will pay for this, Tau’ri!#

~

“How did you know, Daniel?”

They were back in Daniel’s office now, and Teal’c and Janet had joined them. Jolinar was being held in the brig, hissing and spitting at any guard who passed her. It was clear Daniel had struck a nerve.

Daniel took off his glasses, and massaged the bridge of his nose. It had been a long, cruel day, made worst by the fact that he couldn’t tell anyone what had made it so bad. Now that Jolinar had publicly announced his feelings for Sam, he had a lot more room to work with.

“The question, you mean? Or the answer?”

“Both, I guess.”

“Yes, Danny. How did you know that?”

“I am intrigued also, Daniel Jackson.”

Daniel sat back in the chair, as his computer continued the check on ‘etcar hariman’.

“Well, I figured that Jolinar would have access to all of Sam’s memories, so I couldn’t ask her about Cassandra or anything like that. So, I decided to provoke her. Asking her what Sam hated the most was the trick.”

“But, why? I mean, what was the real answer?”

“Don’t you know, Janet? Sam hates Jolinar! That’s why I couldn’t believe she would just accept Jolinar like that.”

“Of course! Jolinar wasn’t about to reveal Sam hated her to the whole Gate room to prove you wrong, so she settled for lying. She hoped you were just bluffing and would let it drop. You’re a smart one, Doctor Jackson.”

Daniel nodded to her, just as the computer finished it’s search. Daniel turned to the screen and whistled softly.

“Well, that certainly explains…that…”

Jack stood up and came over to the computer, peering over his shoulder.

“What explains what? All I see is a bunch of squiggles.”

Daniel sighed and pointed at a paragraph on the screen.

“It’s Greek, Jack. That’s why you can’t read it. This is what we want though. ‘The weapon that kills all evil yet bonds the innocent.’ Okay, maybe we can do without the bonding but…”

“This is the cure? To get rid of Jolinar?”

“Well, yes and no. As you know, the Tok’ra have abandoned Jolinar, including Lantesh. No one cares whether she lives or dies but the damage she could cause Sam is the issue. The Tok’ra refuse to forcibly remove Jolinar, at that would certainly mean her death but they also don’t want a living Tok’ra archive just walking around.”

“So, we need to neutralise Jolinar but they’re not gonna help. Sweet.”

Daniel frowned but Janet did offer a smile. Jack sat back down, as Daniel passed his hand over the screen. He was deep in translation, constantly muttering under his breath. Suddenly, he sat up straight and clicked his fingers.

“ Etcar hariman dossier ton yet!”

Daniel looked excitedly round all the blank faces, hurrying to explain.

“It’s a weapon! Sam was telling me about a weapon! This ‘etcar hariman’ thing is a demon slayer; we just have to find it!”

“And this…thing exists?”

Daniel looked at the sceptical looks he was getting and frowned.

“Of course it exists! Why would Sam have told me about a weapon that doesn’t exist?”

“Whoa, hang on a minute! Sam told you? When was this?”

Janet held up her hand, trying to understand what the heck was going on. She didn’t want Daniel getting his hopes up on something that sounded so incredibly… unbelievable.

“You were there, Janet. We were in the infirmary, Jacob had just walked in and Sam said…”

“Sam wasn’t there, Daniel. Jolinar was talking to Lantesh.”

Daniel looked confused, as Janet continued her inquisition. Jack and Teal’c watched it all silently, not sure what to make of the ‘miracle cure’ Daniel had seemingly pulled out of a hat.

“But I heard her…”

Daniel turned back to the screen and began to drum steadily on the keys. Janet shook head sadly, and walked out. Teal’c went close behind her but Jack sat down just beside Daniel.

“Are you sure about this, Daniel?”

Daniel turned to him, eyes blazing with joy.

“She sent me a message, Jack. Like Sha’re. But through Jolinar”

Daniel pressed the key one more time and a picture came up. Daniel quickly downloaded it to his view-finder, barely listening to Jack.

“Daniel; how can you be sure? Maybe this is just wishful thinking…on your part?”

Daniel stood up slowly and faced Jack, staring down on him.

“Why would I make a phrase that just happens to be a perfect mixture of Gourld and Greek and that spells a way out of this mess? I don’t think that’s coincidence.”

The computer beeped happily and Daniel brought up the picture. Jack leaned towards the screen, convinced that at least Daniel believed what he was saying was true. Daniel hit the zoom and they both gasped.

For, in the centre of the screen, was the perfect drawing of a knife. The very same knife that Daniel still had the wound from, the very one Jolinar stabbed him with and the very same one that could kill her.

Daniel was speechless for several seconds before turning to Jack.

“So, where is it?”

Jack looked back at Daniel, his respect ever increasing. Here was one very persistent man.

“I think Janet still has it. She was gonna clean it…Daniel!”

But Daniel was already out of the door, sprinting towards the infirmary. Jack sighed and got up to follow.

~

#Let me OUT!#

Jolinar was getting increasingly frustrated. This was the second time she had been in this loathsome Tau’ri cage and this time there was no hope of escape.

Jolinar was still debating how Daniel knew so much; how he had known, that Samantha wasn’t in control of her own body.

No! Not her body, my body!

Jolinar smirked. Samantha was weakening. Soon, she wouldn’t even have to fight that annoying resistance from her host. If only Daniel Jackson hadn’t interfered, everything would’ve gone perfectly. The question he had asked has seemed so simple but a quick scan of Samantha’s memories had made the truth impossible.

Yes, I’m really going to tell them that Samantha loathes me like no other! I don’t think so!

Jolinar stopped suddenly. That did not sound like her way of thinking; sarcasm was certainly not her…cup of tea? Phrases, sayings and innuendos were flitting around her mind, taunting her with their meanings, completely devoid of any logic or reason.

Raining cats and dogs? Happy as a sand boy? A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush…?

Jolinar audibly screamed and clutched her head. She had underestimated her host; she was strong indeed. Jolinar sank to her knees, still screaming with rage and confusion. The guard pressed the call button immediately, not wishing any harm to come to Major Carter, who was obviously in pain.

You want to mess with my head, Jolinar? How about I mess with yours…

Sam’s voice was ringing clearly in Jolinar’s mind, mocking the frustrated symbiot.

Sing a song of sixpence, a pocket full of rye…

Jolinar continued to scream, as Sam’s voice grew louder in her mind. Sam was gaining strength, goading Jolinar while mentally projecting her call…

If you can hear me, Daniel, now would be the time…

~

Daniel stopped dead in the corridor, Jack nearly walking into the back of him.

“What’s up, Danny?”

Daniel rushed into the infirmary, grabbed the bloodied knife from the desk and careered into the lift. Janet stared at Jack, as she tumbled out of her office.

“What’s he doing?”

Jack shrugged and headed for the lift, swearing as it closed. Janet was soon by his side and the two of them rushed for the other lift. They closed the door and looked at the controls and then each other.

“What’s going on, Colonel?”

“I have no idea, Janet.”

Jack pressed the button for a higher level, the number escaping Janet’s eye. They arrived shortly and Janet started. The brig.

Jack and Janet stumbled in on a bizarre scene. Teal’c and the guard were already there, looking almost mesmerised. Jolinar had one hand on her head, while Daniel held the knife to the light, the blood glistening off it. Jolinar slowly lowered the hand, closed her eyes and opened them quickly.

“You came.”

Daniel nodded shortly, convinced by the words ringing in his head. Really me this time, Daniel. I think we should begin…

Daniel nodded and grabbed the key from the guard, and opened the cell.

“Doctor Jackson! It’s dangerous!”

“Daniel!”

“Stop!”

Daniel paid no attention to them, as he neared Sam, holding the knife steadily. Their eyes never left each other, as smooth ritual actions followed with a wisdom neither of them could’ve possibly possessed. Daniel laid his left hand on Sam’s cheek, thumb supporting her chin. She laid her right hand on top, closing her eyes trustingly. Her left hand went to his waist, gripping him tightly and softly whispering.

“Let it be now…”

Daniel brought the knife to the back of her head, at the base of her skull and closed his eyes slowly. Jack just managed to stop Janet rushing forward, hoping that Daniel knew what he was doing. The archaeologist-turned-exorcist pressed the knife gently into the skin, drawing blood and beginning a low chant.

“What does not belong shall drain away. What does not belong shall drain away. What does not belong shall drain away…”

The knife began to glow, casting Sam in an ethereal light. Her voice joined Daniel’s in the chant, as their team mates looked on in fascinated horror. A silvery mist began to form around Sam’s head and rapidly turned gold. Daniel’s eyes flew open and he brought the knife high into the air.

“Jolinar! Thee are bound!”

The mist coalesced on the knife, spiralling around the blade. Daniel let go of the knife, and it was carried into the air. Daniel drew Sam close, waiting for what he knew would come.

There was a brief flash in the sky, and the knife was encircled in flame. An unearthly scream shook the cell bars, and the rest of the soldiers ducked to the floor. Daniel and Sam were highlighted in white light, still clutching each other tightly. One of the bars flung loose and struck Daniel in the back of the head. The light faded and the pair crashed to the floor.

“Daniel! Daniel, speak to me please! Daniel!”

Sam sobbed into his jacket, pulling Daniel to her. She attempted to shield him from the flying pieces of metal, as the screaming continued. Jack threw himself over Janet, protecting the medic from harm. Teal’c watched the ceremony continue, aware of the powerful magic at work in the room.

Suddenly, the knife thudded to the floor, and the screaming, light and wind faded. Jack slowly staggered to his feet, followed by Janet and Teal’c. The guard had a broken arm from a piece of metal but just pointed shakily to the wide-flung cell door. Janet ran over to Sam and Daniel, assessing the situation at a glance.

“Phone up to the infirmary. We’ll need a back board and a neck brace. Stretcher, and a wheelchair if you can get it. Move!”

Jack jumped for the phone, and began to dial through. Teal’c saw to the shaken guard, using the man’s jacket as a sling. Sam pressed her hands to Daniel’s face, tears blurring her vision.

“Help him, Janet. Please…”

Jack slammed the phone down, and rushed back to the scene. The petite doctor was gently probing the head wound, and looking at the growing patch of blood under his T-shirt. She lifted the soaked material but quickly replaced it.

“The bar rebounded. I think the brace and board are definitely called for.”

Jack nodded slowly, but Sam refused to release Daniel. Janet gently pulled away her trembling hands, wondering what was causing Sam to get so upset.

“You…don’t understand, Janet. I can’t hear him. I can’t hear him at all.”

Hear him? What’s she talking about? Janet was totally confused.

“Sam, he’s just knocked out for a little while…”

“But the bond’s gone. It can’t just go. It’s supposed to last forever.”

Janet motioned to Jack, who took the stricken woman away. The infirmary team arrived at that moment, but Jack dragged Sam away. He directed her towards the infirmary, but forgot that a certain someone’s office was en route. Sam was away from him in a flash and she banged the mouse. The screensaver prompted her for a password, which she deftly typed in.

“How the hell do you know that?”

“I changed it.”

The Greek page was still up. Sam moved her fingers across the page, shocking Jack completely. The action was almost a perfect replica of Daniel’s own translation technique. Sam obviously found what she wanted and pointed to it.

“’Should the knife be smeared with the blood of two innocents then they shall be bonded forever.’ Then, why the hell has it gone?”

Jack watched her in silence. Bonds…innocents…has the world gone crazy?

“ Okay, find another bit…oh here. ‘If the knife is cast with the ritual of death after the bonding, the knife must be washed in the Sea of Atlantis twelve times.’ Uh oh…”

“Pardon me for saying, but isn’t Atlantis…mythical?”

Sam looked up at him with huge, tear-filled eyes, and nodded. Jack sighed and took her gently by the arm towards the infirmary.

~

Janet frowned again and came over to the group. Sam was still sitting by Daniel’s side, grasping his hand tightly, but Janet didn’t want to move her just yet. She motioned to her office, and Jack, Teal’c and the General followed her in. She shut the door and looked at each anxious face in turn.

“Well, he appears to be…sleeping. Apart from that, nothing’s wrong.”

“Then, why isn’t he awake?”

Janet shrugged and shook her head. Teal’c’s face was like thunder, and Jack’s was just as clouded. However, the General’s face was perfectly neutral, even if he was crumbling inside.

“Um…I’m not sure how…relevant this is but Sam and Daniel were doing some kinda…telepathy…back there. It could just be…wishful thinking…but Sam thinks we can kinda…wake him up.”

Jack raised an eyebrow, before frowning. He was obviously doubtful himself, but Janet leapt at his words.

“What’s her suggestion?”

Jack frowned again, and licked his lips several times.

“Um…we have to kinda wash the knife-thing twelve times…”

“Well that’s easy enough…”

Jack held up a hand and met her eyes.

“…in the Sea of Atlantis.”

Janet’s eyes went wide and she mouthed a silent ‘oh’.

“Daniel Jackson once referred to such a place. Is it not from your Greek philosopher Plato’s fictional writings?”

Jack raised his eyes, and everyone turned to Teal’c.

“How do you know that, Teal’c?”

“Daniel Jackson was very excited about the possibility that Atlantis could have been a planet, instead of a mere island.”

“But no joy?”

“Indeed not.”

“There are suggested places for Atlantis, aren’t there?”

“Yes. The Aegean Sea is the most popular suggestion.”

Everyone turned at the voice, and Sam leaned inside the doorway. She looked way older than her years and it felt like Jolinar’s ghost was still haunting her features.

“You okay, Sam?”

“Fine. Daniel…liked to talk about Atlantis. It fired his imagination.”

Sam smiled to herself, and that caused Janet to smile as well.

“Um…there are several theories about where Atlantis is or was. Um…some think it was Thίra, a place in the Aegean Sea. Other theories put forward Crete, Canary Islands, Scandinavian Peninsula or even the Americas. Of course, the most popular is that it sunk in the Aegean Sea.”

“You an expert on this, Carter?”

“Almost, sir.”

There was a hint of a smile on her lips, and Jack smiled back. Let’s hope things can be normal soon. Normal? Since when did that apply here?

“Well, forgive me for sounding dense, but where is the Aegean Sea?”

“It is in the Mediterranean Sea, O’Neill. Between Greece and Asia Minor.”

“And how the hell do you know that?”

“Major Carter and Daniel Jackson introduced me to an intriguing new idea. I believe it is called the ‘Discovery Channel’.”

“Oh for crying out loud! Didn’t I forbid Daniel introducing Teal’c to that?”

Sam smiled fully before glancing back to Daniel’s bed. She turned back, and the worried frown had re-settled on her face.

“So, we emulate the Aegean Sea?”

“Yeah, I guess. But how do we do that?”

Jack was trying to get his brain to form words without worrying too much. First, Sam and Jolinar had driven him close to madness and now Daniel was depending on a stupid knife to bring him back. And a couple of exhausted and clumsy team mates who are trying to create a sea. His luck really isn’t good.

“Or, we could take the knife there?”

“Takes too long.”

“True.”

The General, Teal’c and Janet watched the two in fascination, as they struggled with their plan.

“Okay, I’ll research the Med.”

~

Sam threw the letter opener straight at the wall, just missing Jack as he walked in.

“Careful!”

“I can’t find a damn thing! Okay, it’s saltier than the Atlantic. What bloody good is that?”

“Calm down! Daniel is depending on us; we can’t lose it now!”

“I know that!”

Sam stood up, shaking the desk. Her coffee jumped, spilling on a sheet of paper. Sam cursed and picked up the note, then froze. Jack came over and looked at the paper from behind.

“’Notes for Janet’?”

Sam looked back at him, eyes shining.

“It’s a clue.”

~

“Cleaning instructions?”

“For the knife! He must’ve researched it absently, while searching for a cure!”

Janet got caught up in Sam’s excitement and rang through to the canteen.

“I want a bowl of cold water brought to the infirmary stat!”

Janet slammed the phone back down, and looked over the piece of paper.

“There are quite a few elements here, like magnesium and sodium. What are they there for?”

“Sea-water isn’t just salt and water, y’know. There are many elements. Daniel wants an accurate mixture. I can get all these things though.”

“I guess I can’t just use ordinary salt then?”

“’Fraid not. I’ll get it for you. It’ll take ten minutes.”

Sam raced out of the room, to find all the chemicals needed.

“We should get the water the right temperature as well.”

Jack watched Janet go about finding a heater, while watching the patient in the next room as well. It was always Daniel who was worse off, no matter the situation. How Jack wished he could put himself in Daniel’s place, take the punishment that fate seemed determined to inflict on Daniel. He knew Sam felt the same as well. You’re not gonna bail out on us, Danny. Not now.

“What temperature is the Mediterranean, Jack?”

“No idea. Look it up.”

Janet nodded and sat down at her computer. She flicked onto the web, and Jack looked over her shoulder. She could feel his warm breath on her shoulder, and tried to ignore the thrill it gave her. Daniel may be dying and I’m thinking about the sensational feeling Jack is sending up my spine…stop it!

“Um…can’t find it. But one of Daniel’s figures was a little off. It says here that there are 39 grams of salt to every kilogram of water in the Mediterranean. Daniel said there were 35.”

“Right. So, what shall we do with the temperature?”

“I’m gonna put it mid-thirties. That’s the closest estimate I can give.”

“I’ve got the stuff.”

Sam dumped vial upon vial of elements on Janet’s desk, and smiled triumphantly.

“I have it all. Let’s try it.”

Janet nodded. The General had gone back to his office a while ago and Teal’c was meditating, but none of them thought to contact them. The trio started to add the elements to the bowl, sweating slightly from the constant heat. Sam took the last vial and emptied its contents into the bowl.

“That should be it. Daniel’s written nothing else.”

They nodded and Sam opened a drawer. Carefully, she withdrew the knife, gently running her finger over its surface. Then, she noticed the engraving. The sign of Apophis, the serpent, was nearest the tip, and just beneath was three words:

Jolinar

Of

Malkshaur

Sam’s eyes widened. There was definitely superior intelligence acting on this knife. She briefly wondered whether they should be messing with forces they didn’t understand. Bit late for that now.

Absently, Sam turned the knife over and now she truly did gasp. She pressed her fingers to the inscription, tears beginning to trickle down her cheeks.

Daniel Jackson

Samantha Carter

The strange symbol in the middle intrigued her. Was it Greek? A hieroglyph? Or some mysterious symbol from an advanced culture?

Sam suddenly shook her head, and looked up. Jack and Janet were waiting expectantly, looking slightly confused. Sam smiled at them and dipped the knife into the bowl. The water rippled perfectly, seemingly shining. Sam withdrew the knife and dipped again. The water sparkled a little more. Sam continued to dip it, Jack and Janet mesmerised by the light. At about the tenth dip, the red blood began to disperse into the water. On the twelfth and final dip, the water was a deep crimson, looking just like a pool of blood. Sam withdrew the shining knife and held it aloft.

“Let it be!”

Lightening flashed in the infirmary and the dreadful wind picked up again. Jack pulled Janet to him for safety, but Sam was too far away, standing in the centre of the storm. Her face was illuminated in the bright light shining from the knife, as a dark shadow escaped. The knife clattered to the floor, and a light flashed brightly behind the shadow. The eerie darkness began to take form, swirling into misty coalescence. A young, transparent Egyptian woman floated above the ground, eyes flashing.

#I am Jolinar of Malkshaur!#

Everyone gasped, as the woman looked down on them.

#Do you really think I would let Daniel leave there when I had the chance? No, his soul will remain forever bound! #

Jolinar cackled madly. Jack struggled to Sam’s side, and called up.

“You’re human!”

#This is my first host, Amritsar. She was imprinted on my soul#

“What’s going on?”

Janet looked completely puzzled but Sam was all certainty and logic.

“Daniel’s trapped in the knife. You pulled him in with you, and now he can’t escape.”

#You are really quite intelligent. A shame I no longer require a host. You have made me immortal, Samantha. I am grateful#

Janet was shocked to the core. Jack started to swear at the floating form, feeling vulnerable and helpless. But Sam knew what to do.

“Etcar hariman: dossier ton yet!”

Sam lifted up the knife and her hand, openly cutting her palm. The blood coated the knife, dripping into the bowl of water. The water fizzed with electricity and began to shudder. Jolinar screamed and frantically began to cling to the air around her. She was sucked into the bowl, slowly and surely. When she was inches away from the water, Sam began a chant.

“Release from the bind…release from the bind…release from the bind…”

A whitish cloud drifted from the knife in Sam’s hand, drifting into the open air. Jolinar screamed again, as she was drawn closer to the water. Suddenly, Daniel’s body came floating through Janet’s office doorway. The eyes were blank and staring, but the form floated over the glowing knifepoint. Janet and Jack were quite scared now, but Sam was in complete control.

In just a few seconds, things came to a head. The black shape that was Jolinar surged into the bowl of water and flashed with lightening. The white mist leapt into Daniel’s body and the knife flew from Sam’s hand, and embedded itself in the wall.

The wind died instantly, and Daniel fell downwards. Sam caught him in her arms, sinking under the weight.

“Got ya.”

Jack and Janet stumbled to their feet, thoroughly shaken. Teal’c and General Hammond charged through the door.

“Are you injured, O’Neill?”

“What is this about lightening and floating people?”

Jack shifted nervously, and then shrugged.

“It’s a long story, sir.”

As Jack and Janet launched into the account, Sam cradled Daniel in her arms. A low moan escaped his lips, and his eyelids fluttered open.

“Boy, am I glad to see you.”

“Me too, Daniel. How are you feeling?”

“Like a truck ran over my head.”

Sam chuckled and stroked his hair gently. Daniel lifted his hand and touched her cheek gently.

“Jolinar wasn’t lying, was she?”

“About us? No, I don’t think she was.”

“Then, maybe we should listen to her.”

Sam cautiously bent down to kiss Daniel, when Jack shouted loudly.

“What’s this?”

Sam jerked away and swung Daniel to his feet.

“Uh…nothing at all, sir. I’m just going to…leave now.”

Sam made for the door, but froze suddenly. She turned and marched over to the table, peering into the bowl. Her eyebrows flew up, and Daniel came over. He smiled openly and beckoned everyone else over.

Inside the bowl, Jolinar’s face was imprinted on the water, hands raised up. Sam touched the water, and found that it was in fact crystal.

“I think I’ll keep this. Look nice on my mantelpiece, don’t you think?”

“Much as I agree with you, Sam, I think we should give it to Martouf.”

~

“This is Jolinar?”

“Inside a kind of…echo of her first host, Amritsar. Thought you should have it.”

Martouf smiled sadly at Sam, and took the bowl.

“Thank you, Samantha. I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be.”

Martouf smiled, and went upstairs to the Briefing Room. Sam felt a tear escape her eye, but a steady hand was already on her shoulder.

“Y’alright?”

“I will be.”

Sam turned round and pressed her hand to Daniel’s cheek.

“Thank you.”

“You too.”

“Shall we go?”

Sam nodded, and they left the Gate room together, hands firmly interlocked.

So, this is the beginning, Sam. How are you feeling?

I love you so much. And I don’t even need to tell you: you already know.

When I now think of perfection, I think of us.

It’s taken us this long, and now we have forever.

A shame it took a tragedy for us to find out we were in love.

I love you, Daniel Jackson

I love you too, Sam.

EPILOGUE

#Lantesh, you know that I love you. Even if I don’t come out of this alive, I am always with you. You are my husband, and will be forever. Love is eternal – remember that#

Jolinar’s image blew a kiss at him and he shut the recording sphere. He placed it carefully on the desk, picking up a glass of bitter wine. He took a sip, and his glance drifted to the bowl that sat beside the sphere. He picked it up, staring at the cold image in the crystal. He touched it lightly, and saw his own tears splash onto the surface.

#So is hatred, Jolinar. So is hatred#

Summoning all his strength, he threw the bowl against the wall. The whole thing shattered, spraying shards of crystal all over the dull floor. He raised his glass to the glittering fragments, offering a toast.

#To you Jolinar: the menace I am finally rid of#

He drank deeply from the glass, before throwing that onto the floor as well. The red liquid spilt over the mess, adding a touch of unreality to the scene. He dimmed the lights and walked out.

~

The knife in Janet’s wall glowed, bright light filling the room. It died lightly, just as Janet entered the room.

“Y’know, Jack. I read this really strange thing about that knife. If that crystal thing Jolinar’s in breaks, the knife is supposed to give a fortune telling. Odd, isn’t it?”

“But it’s just a legend, right?”

“Of course it is! Let’s go then.”

Janet shut the door again, casting the room back into shadow. The knife glowed again, and a silvery string of writing floated across the room. Then, the light and smoke died, never to be seen again. But the words were clear and true for precious seconds:

The bond will become true: nothing shall break it. The bonded are truly destined.

THE END

(?)

(Edifice etcar hariman dossier ton yet)